Merlot
The Hayes Valley Merlot is an elegant approach to classic grape varietal. The wine is produced in a style that would suit the finest of wine lists but would fit in on the porch on a sunny day. The natural acidic structure from the California-grown grapes helps it stand up to a great meal, but the subtle tannic structure lets it stand alone as great sipping wine. The bright fruit notes classic to the Merlot varietal stand out and the undertones of vanilla and sweet oak help balance out the palate.
Color: Garnet
Aroma: Raspberry, oak, cinnamon
Structure: Full body, medium acid, medium tannins
Flavors: Dark plums, clove, graphite
Pairings: Roast duck, pizza with goat cheese, turkey chili
Meritage
The Hayes Valley Meritage is a true homage to the traditional blends that are crafted in the Bordeaux region of France, well known for its cooler climate and often overcast and muggy summers. Areas throughout California, like the Central Coast, are known for their cooler climate and dreary foggy mornings. This gives the Bordeaux varietals a chance to develop more intense and complex flavors that you won’t find in a hotter climate style of blend. Flavors and aromas of mushroom and slate coupled with black fruits and a mild tannin structure, mimic the idealistic style that comes from one of the best wine grape growing regions in the world.
Color: Dark purple
Aroma: Sage, licorice, blackberry
Structure: Medium body
Flavors: Chocolate, currants, black olives
Pairings: Pot roast, French onion soup, Italian sausage pasta
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Hayes Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that embodies the history of what was once known as the Hayes Valley in California. The region was well known for its production of wine grapes for the missions that spread throughout California. The valley had rich fertile soil and produced great yields to accompany high quality grapes. This Cabernet Sauvignon is made in an old-world style, showcasing balance, elegance and a full-bodied style of wine with bright fruit characteristics.
Color: Dark currant
Aroma: Tobacco, star of anise, huckleberry jam
Structure: Full body, medium acid, high tannins
Flavors: Cedar, bay leaf, blackberry
Pairings: Braised Short Ribs, Gruyére cheese, vegetarian lasagna